Dokolo floods displace hundreds as Lake Kwania banks burst

29 March 2026, 3:28 pm

By Ambrose Okwanga

Dokolo District continues to grapple with persistent flooding in several sub-counties after Lake Kwania burst its banks, leaving a trail of destruction. Communities living near the lake have, since 2019, endured recurring floods that have disrupted livelihoods and destroyed property.

Fredrick Ogwal, the LC3 chairperson of Adeknino subcounty said said all the five parishes in the area have been affected by floods with three of them the hardest hit, leaving several residents homeless.

The situation has forced many residents out of their homes, with some seeking refuge in nearby trading centers while others have taken shelter with relativesOgwal added that the sub-county leadership has embarked on community sensitization efforts to encourage evacuation from high risk areas.

Emphasizing that residents cannot continue living in places that are too close to wetlands due to the persistent threat of flooding.”With the Weather Focus report for this year indicating that there will be too much rainfall, we might experience the worst flooding this time around” Ogwal added.

Ogwal further noted that, through collaboration with the government and non-governmental organizations, two irrigation systems have been secured in two parishes. He said the initiative is helping affected communities adopt climate-smart agricultural practices and improve resilience against the impacts of climate change.

On the other hand, Peter Awany, the LC3 Chairman for Kwera Sub-County, Dokolo district feared the worst as he said most of the roads are submerged. Adding that one village of Aoa is now an Highland leaving over 500 local community cut off from important services.

Awany called on Dokolo District authorities to urgently intervene, noting that many roads leading to essential facilities such as schools and hospitals are nearly submerged, making access increasingly difficult for residents.”The speed at which the flood is spreading in some of the area is worrying, this might leave the entire Sub-County submerged within a short period of time” He stressed.

However, James Oto Apili, the LC5 Chairperson for Dokolo District, said the scale of flooding is beyond the district’s control. He attributed the situation to Lake Kwania bursting its banks, warning that conditions could worsen if water levels continue to rise.

Oto Apili stressed that the district has written several letters to the Office of the Prime Minister but has only received limited relief items such as beans, maize flour, and blankets.

He noted that while the support is helpful, it does not address the root cause of the flooding crisis in Dokolo District.